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Case Study: Nottingham High School recruits Childcare Apprentice

NEWS

In 2018, over 46% of apprenticeships were accounted for adults aged over 25 who were either looking for a career change or to up-skill themselves in their current area of expertise.

CT Skills were pleased to meet with Tahera Bharmal, 47, who had begun working as a Teaching Assistant in January 2018 on a 5 month supply basis with Nottingham High School.

With a passion for working with children, Tahera was inevitably keen to secure a permanent role with the school and progress further. By May 2018, Tahera’s supply role was coming to an end and the school informed her that they were now recruiting for permanent Teaching Assistant’s so offered her an interview.

Tahera said;

“I was really enjoying my time with Nottingham High School and they were very happy and satisfied with my commitment towards my work so offered me a permanent role! However, even though I had the experience, I was not qualified in the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship for the Early Years Practitioner – which is a mandatory requirement for EYFS at the school.”

Tahera immediately accepted the offer of the role with the agreement that she would undertake the Level 3 apprenticeship with CT Skills.

She continued;

“Since beginning the course both the school and CT Skills have been extremely supportive. My tutor Donna Weston is very positive and is always helpful in guiding me throughout the qualification. She plans and gives me assignments’ and always works around a timeline that suits my workload and term holidays, this makes it less stressful for me and puts my mind at ease.”

The Level 3 qualification covers a variety of modules such as; planning & providing effective teaching, child protection, safeguarding and positive behaviour & development. As part of the apprenticeship, Tahera will also complete 20% of off-the-job training, which so far she has had the opportunity to undertake First Aid and Life Guard training.

Tahera concludes;

“The apprenticeship has provided me with a better understanding of children pastoral care and children with learning difficulties. I have taken up an apprenticeship at the age of 47 and with that I have had to complete Level 2 maths and ICT; these were both subjects that I was never very good at in school. However, I have accepted the challenge and hopefully intend to achieve my Level 3 qualification with CT Skills. I am now very excited for my future and am thankful that Nottingham High School and CT Skills have given me a stepping stone towards obtaining my PGCE.”

For more information about childcare apprenticeships with CT Skills please contact our dedicated apprenticeship team on 0115 9599 544